CONAMYPE president Paul Steiner. SANTA TECLA El Salvador — El Salvador is turning to creativity to fuel economic growth. The government announced the 2025 Art and Design Festival, a nationwide celebration of artisanal talent.
The event, now in its fourth edition, was presented on Friday by CONAMYPE president Paul Steiner and CORSATUR director Alejandra Durán. Both stressed its importance for strengthening the creative sector.
Branded under the concept “Trama: Where Ideas Intertwine,” the festival will highlight contemporary art, design, fashion, and entrepreneurship across Suchitoto, the Tazumal Archaeological Park, and the Port of La Libertad.
Suchitoto will launch the program Sept. 27-28 with “Roots of Color,” featuring workshops that demonstrate traditional natural dye techniques and honor the country’s heritage of craft production.
Tazumal will host “Nahual Semiotics” Oct. 25-26, focusing on cultural symbolism woven into textiles and looms, followed by La Libertad’s “La Vanguardia” showcase Dec. 13-14 on modern design innovation.
“This festival is a showcase to demonstrate the quality of our craftsmanship and creativity to the world,” Steiner said. “Many artisans now export what once sustained families.”
Durán emphasized the festival’s impact on tourism, calling it a symbol of national pride. “This event unites us and fills us with pride,” she said.
Beyond exhibitions, the festival will feature fashion runways, marketing spaces for small businesses, presentations, competitions, and interactive workshops, aiming to merge entrepreneurship with creativity and strengthen El Salvador’s cultural economy.
Tourists increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences, and Salvadoran artisans deliver through workshops, craft fairs, and live demonstrations. These encounters transform trips into immersive journeys that boost both tourism revenue and cultural appreciation.
